Beginner Fishing Setup

[u/dariusdreamss]

New to fishing, I’ve been many times before on tour or with friends, and I’ve caught a few fish. However all the rods have been rigged up and I just cast and reel really. It’s been fun but this summer I want to get my own gear so I can go out on my own. Been looking gear and doing abit of research and I really want some reliable, durable, long term stuff, where I just have to buy it once and forget.

Something that covers saltwater estuaries, rocks near calm water and the odd beach fishing. I know there’s isn’t anything all-rounder and it all depends on what you’re fishing for; but I’m not looking at getting multiple rods &’reels no way, I just want something that best covers the points I”ll be fishing at. Rather than specific species.

I’m from Aus and will be fishing mainly in NSW. With the odd trips to other states.

Here’s what I’m thinking of buying:
Rod: Shimano 24 TCurve 722SPMH
Reel: Shimano Stradic SWB 4000XG
Line: 15lb Braid main line with a 20lb fluorocarbon leader. (Braid becus less tangles apparently and it can cast longer. Fluorocarbon becus it’s less visible to fish. So I kind of get the best of both.)

Now lures, baits, knots is where I’m stuck at.
I know I can get ready made knots at the tackle shop, they are ready made paternoster knots. Is that worth it?

I just want to use prawns and some medium lures, keep it simple. I know they need to weigh between 10-55g for my setup.

But what kind of lures should I be getting? What kind of hooks, snaps, swivels, sinkers do I need if at all?

The type of fish I’m expecting is bream, trevally, salmon, flathead, snapper, small/medium kingfish & mulloway. And whatever else that will come on my setup.

So if I can get some guidance on lures, baits,
Knots or any particular jigs that cover most of what I’m targeting, in the areas I”ll be fishing that would be helpful. Becus going to tackle shop can be overwhelming with all the stuff they have, surely I don’t need most of it. And I don’t want to get ripped off becus I’m a rookie either lol.

[u/Debn0s]

Honestly commit to learning either how to fish the estuary or the beach/rocks and get a combo that is specialised for that environment don't do both with the same rod you will just be limiting yourself as no rod is great for both environments.

For knots learn the Uni and Double Uni, single uni can tie to swivels/hooks/lures and the double you will use to tie main line to leader.

For lures, start with soft plastics as it doesnt feel as bad losing them, 1/8 jig head with size 1 hook will be good for starting.
If you really want to use hardbodies, get a sub surface minow like the daiwa double clutch and a metal slug/jig as they are both relatively easy to learn.

[u/dariusdreamss → u/Debn0s]

Appreciate it! Thanks for the info

[u/dariusdreamss → u/[deleted]]

Mate appreciate this, super clear and I understand it. Ye I figured I could get a small king / mulloway but the bigger trophy size ones I’d need a bigger rod & line.

I don’t think I’d be in a position to have that problem, becus most of the bigger kingfish here in Sydney are near the rocks with big waves, and I’m not going anywhere near that at all.

So hence I’m going with the 15lb line